Dingdong Dantes urges Bulakenyo youth to take action against climate change

CITY OF MALOLOS – National Youth Commissioner Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III called on the Bulakenyo youth to be part of the solution to the problems of their community and join the national campaign against climate change during the launching of the Bulacan Youth Volunteer Network (BulacanYVNet) held at Balagtas Hall, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in this city yesterday.

The National Youth Commissioner commended the initiative and commitment of Bulacan in the creation of an active youth network that will serve as a partner of the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) in the different areas of community engagement particularly in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

“We are grateful to the province of Bulacan for the commitment of the Bulakenyo youth in disaster risk reduction and management. Malaki ang tulong na maihahatid ng bawat kabataang Bulakenyo sa anumang uri ng kalamidad especially when they are prepared and being empowered to take actions against climate change,” Dantes said.

He also encouraged the youth to join the ‘Now on Our Watch’ or #nowph campaign of the Climate Change Commission and National Youth Commission and be knowledgeable enough about climate change and the threats it poses to mankind.

Moreover, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) III Regional Director Darwin David emphasized the importance of active involvement of the youth in building disaster resilient communities and also encouraged them to participate in the climate change adaptation and other activities related to preparedness and disaster mitigation.

“When a community lacks the active involvement of the youth at the local levels, addressing the problem during times of disasters will be uncoordinated, especially in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters,” David said.

The Municipal/City Youth Coordinators in 21 towns and three cities in the province also received certificates from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council after completing the three-day seminar on First Aid last October 7-9, 2015.

Meanwhile, Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that the creation of BulacanYVNet is only the first step of the PGB to encourage the youth to be part of the solution to the problems of their community and to join the cause against climate change.

BulacanYVNet is a network organization created through the initiative of the Provincial Youth, Sports, Employment and Development Office that aims to develop positive citizenship and create an active youth circle that will support and help the PGB in the implementation of programs that will benefit the Bulakenyos.